Telefonica operator billing now for FB, Google, Microsoft and RIM

In the developing markets with low credit card penetration paying for digital goods and services through operator billing is key in driving virtual content.

60% Latin American customers of Telefonica don’t even have their bank accounts.

Although operator billing for Google and Facebook has been there is has been a haphazard process. Operators have been slow to adapt and the best service is PSMS, not the best experience.

Now Telefonica is looking to change this through Telefonical Digital. Its investment in BOKU, a specialist in connecting online stores and operators, has accelerated the process.

Telefonica now has integrated operator billing with Facebook payments. Google Play Store will also offer operator billing now. O2 customers in Germany have this already and Movistar Spain will launch it shortly.

Microsoft will offer direct to bill option for Telefonica subscribers as the default option. RIM has also set up direct to bill payment options in BlackBerry App World.